A 17-year-old boy is set to be charged in Singapore after allegedly trespassing onto the MRT tracks between Simei and Tanah Merah stations along Upper Changi Road East. Authorities confirmed he will face one charge of wilfully endangering the safety of passengers travelling on the railway, and another for criminal trespass. These charges come after a video purportedly recorded from the tracks surfaced online.
According to the Singapore Police Force, the offence of wilfully endangering safety could result in a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both. Meanwhile, criminal trespass carries penalties of up to three months’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of S$1,500, or both, reflecting the seriousness with which Singapore law treats such violations.
The video that triggered the investigation was widely shared on Instagram on 10 June. It showed a train carrying passengers approaching the camera, which appeared to be set up directly on the MRT tracks. The shocking footage raised immediate concerns about public safety and prompted swift action from the authorities.
Investigation Traced Teen’s Alleged Actions
Lam Sheau Kai, President of SMRT Trains, highlighted that the video seemed to have been filmed near ongoing construction works related to the future East Coast Integrated Depot (ECID). He noted that trespassing on railway tracks not only endangers the trespasser but also poses a severe risk to train passengers and operators. Following the incident, SMRT reported the case to the police and cooperated fully in the investigation.
Police investigations, led by Bedok Police Division, began soon after they received a report on 10 June. Through meticulous ground inquiries and follow-up efforts, officers managed to identify the teenager and arrested him on 1 July. This rapid response underlines Singapore’s commitment to maintaining railway security and preventing potential tragedies.
After establishing how the teen allegedly entered the restricted area, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) took immediate steps to reinforce security at the location. The measures aim to prevent similar trespassing incidents, ensuring the safety of both commuters and railway staff.
Authorities Emphasise Commitment to Public Safety
The police, in their official statement, reiterated their zero-tolerance stance towards actions that endanger public safety. They stressed that anyone caught committing such offences will face the full force of the law. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of track trespassing and the severe legal consequences under Singapore law.
Singapore’s robust transport infrastructure relies heavily on strict enforcement to guarantee commuter safety. Any unauthorised entry onto MRT tracks can disrupt services, put lives at risk, and undermine public confidence in the reliability of the MRT system.
This incident also highlights the crucial role of public vigilance. Sharing such videos may unintentionally glorify dangerous acts, so authorities urge the public to refrain from posting or spreading content that could encourage risky behaviour. Ensuring railway security requires the collective effort of operators, law enforcement, and responsible commuters.